REAL MADRID want Chelsea to keep paying part of Michael Ballack’s wages — so they can land the German. Midfielder Ballack will not leave Stamford Bridge for less than his current £6.2million-a-year deal. But Real are only prepared to pay him £4.4m — and want Chelsea to foot the rest. That works out at £36,000 a week. The German international claimed yesterday he remains committed to the Blues but his agent, Michael Becker, admitted the Bernabeu giants have made “indirect” contact. SunSport understands Becker spoke to Chelsea about the move and the salary shortfall has been discussed.Ballack, 30, earns £121,000 a week but Real are only prepared to stump up £85,000. In the past, Chelsea have been willing to pay some or all of a player’s wages to smooth a loan deal — as happened with Juan Veron and Hernan Crespo when they moved to Italian clubs. And Real want them to do the same thing with Ballack.
However, Chelsea are taking a harder line now and are unwilling to pay Ballack compensation to leave even though they will get a £10m fee for a player who struggled last season after joining on a Bosman free. Arjen Robben’s move to Madrid is expected to go through this week but Ballack is willing to wait and see if Chelsea are prepared to sell him.
The former Bayern Munich star issued a statement on the Blues’ website yesterday which made it clear any departure plans were in the hands of boss Jose Mourinho and club supremos. Ballack, who is recovering after an ankle operation, said: “I am totally committed to Chelsea. I came here to win trophies and be successful in English football, I want to assure the Chelsea fans of that.
“I am very happy in London professionally and for my family. The speculation about me leaving is not true. “I have no interest in leaving Chelsea and I have had no contact with Real Madrid whatsoever. “I am frustrated by my injury at the moment but I am working hard to be fit and hope to be back very soon to join my team-mates.”